Happy Birthday Mattie!!

Happy Birthday Beautiful Girl!

Almost one year ago, you were born. Since your birthday is on Feb. 29th, we have decided to celebrate on the 28th. That is the day your great grandfather was born. What a special day! It is hard to believe it has been one year! You have grown so much and learned so many new things. You have learned to roll over, sit, crawl, pull up, clap and wave bye-bye. You love to sing and your favorite song is Patty Cake. I couldn't even imagine my life without you. You have brought so much joy to our family and have touched so many other lives. I love seeing your smiling face each day. You are such a happy baby. Thank you for being you! I look forward to our next year together! I love you baby!

So Behind

It has been so long since I've posted, I knew I needed to take a few minutes and write something. It has been quite hectic around our house. Matt went to the beach for the day on Saturday to visit some old friends and I was getting ready for Mattie's birthday party. We had to celebrate a week early since Matt will be on a Men's Retreat this weekend. Part of his company is also moving from one building to another so he has been quite busy packing up his cubicle. He is so particular with all his work files. To add to that, they have made cut-backs at work so when someone is going to be out, they need extra coverage. He has had to work extra hours to cover for a couple of people who have taken vacation days. Needless to say, I've been having to do a lot more at home. I haven't had an ounce of time between work, kids, and house duties. No time for the computer. On top of everything else, we've been sick with colds, my oven heating element blew up last night, my van needs new brakes, tires, oil change (no time to get it in!). AND Caroline got whacked on the nose with a stick by a neighborhood kid. Just an accident, but now she has an awful looking spot. I'm praying it will heal without scarring. I think I need a mental health day to recover from this week!

More Park Pictures

Mattie had a such a great time at the park. I thought I would share some of the pictures we took. It was such a beautiful day! If only it was still warm out.....it dropped back down to 40-50's again. I can't wait for spring time! It is one of my favorite times of the year!


Keaghan & Mattie

Mattie looks so mischievous!

Caroline & Mattie

Check Out Our Interview

We are featured on 5 Minutes for Special Needs today! Click on the link to read our interview. 5 Minutes for Special Needs is a wonderful site for those wanting more insight on raising children with disablities AND you will meet some wonderful families over there too! Hop on over!

Thanks Deborah for taking the time to post our interview! And I wish we had a place still at the Outer Banks. Matt's parents moved and we always stayed with them. Thank Goodness we are only a 2 hour drive away!






And while I'm posting about wonderful sites. Check this one out too! Little Miss E has an awesome idea...... A Traveling Afghan. Go to her site, check out the details, and sign up if you want to be part of the fun!

Did I really??

Our school has a company that puts out discounted books for teachers to purchase. They have a wide range of books that range from educational to personal interest. Well, I saw these recipe books to my daughter. It is a book where you hand write family recipes and then pass it on to your daughter to own. What a wonderful idea! I would love to have a book like this from my mother. How many times do I call her asking about a recipe. Well, I was getting ready to place my order and it came to quantity. How many do I get? DID I REALLY JUST THINK THAT? Of course, I should order three! I have three girls! But......I thought will Mattie need one? Will she live with me or have a family of her own? Will she be able to read and understand it? How shameful of me to even think that! Of course, I will order Mattie one. I can't even believe I let that cross my mind, but I guess it is human. I have always treated Mattie just like my older girls. Why would this be any different? Sometimes it is assumed that my older girls will go to school, move out of the house, get married, etc. I don't know what their future holds and I don't know Mattie's either. They may all get married or they may not. They may go to college they may not. The point is that it doesn't really matter. What matters is that my girls are loved and are happy!

Special Exposure Wednesday

A Feel Good Story

This was a story covered by The Today Show. What a feel good story. If you just need a feel good moment right now....just check this one out. Thanks NBC for bringing more positive awareness to Down syndrome!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Wordless Wednesday

Mattie has been pulling up on everything! I was putting food away and this is what she did!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com